one or two
Explanation and Discussion
A number of English words exist as a single word or as two words. The spelling may change while the pronunciation doesn't, however, the meaning does change. Some of those word situations have been listed here. We then indicate the differences between the two including the different meanings.
1. almost -- all most
The plane was almost (nearly) three hours late.
We are all most pleased (all very much) with the new schedule.
2. already -- all ready
The order had already (previously) been shipped.
The order is all ready (all prepared) to be shipped.
3. altogether -- all together
He is altogether (entirely) too lazy to be a success.
The papers are all together (all in a group) in the folder I sent you.
4. always -- all ways
She has always (at all times) done good work.
We have tried in all ways (by all methods) to keep our employees happy.
5. Anyone -- any one
Any one of the group could be responsible. (If "of" follows anyone it is two words).
We will talk to anyone. (If anyone is not followed by "of" it is one word).
6. anytime -- any time
Come see us anytime (whenever) you are in town.
Did you have dealings with them at any time in the past? (Two words after a preposition such as at).
7. anyway -- any way
Anyway (in any case), we can't spare him now.
If we can help in any way (by any method), please phone.
8. awhile -- a while
You may have to wait awhile. (Adverb is one word).
You may have to wait for a while. (Noun is one word, preceded by an article "a").
9. everyday -- every day
You'll soon master the everyday (ordinary or daily) routine of the job.
He has called every day (each day) this week.
10. everyone -- every one
Every one of us (each person in the group) will go. (Preceding an "of" is two words).
Everyone (everybody) likes to be appreciated. (Not followed by an "of" is one word).
11. indifferent -- in different
She was indifferent (not caring one way or the other) to the offer.
He wanted it expressed in different (in other) ways.
12. indirect -- in direct
Indirect (not direct) lighting will enhance the appearance of the room.
The order was in direct (opposite) conflict with our policy.
13. into -- in to
He walked into the office. ("Into implies entry). All sales are to be sent in to the sales manager. ("In" is an adverb in the verb phrase and "to" is a preposition.)
Mrs. Meeks came in to see me. (In is part of the verb phrase "came in" and "to" is part of the infinitive "to see").
14. maybe -- may be
If I don't hear from them soon, maybe (an adverb meaning "perhaps") I should call.
Mr. Bell may be (a verb meaning possibly), out of town next week.
15. nobody -- no body
There was nobody (no person) at the information desk.
No body (no group) of employees is more helpful than yours.
16. onto -- on to
He lost control of the car and drove onto the sidewalk. ("Onto" implied movement toward and then over).
Let's go on to the next problem. (On is an adverb in the verb phrase "go on"; "to" is a preposition).
She then went on to tell about the accident. ("On" is part of the verb phrase went on; to is part of the infinitive to tell.)
17. someday -- some day
Please set up a meeting with Marcia someday (on an unspecified day) this week.
Please set up a meeting with Marcia for some day next week. (Two words when the object of a preposition as "for").
18. someone -- some one
Some one must sign for the package.
Some one of us must sign for the package.
Someone likes me.
Note: Both imply any person.
Use two words if followed by an of phrase or used to mean "one of a number of people."
19. upon -- up on
His statements were based upon experimental data. (Upon is a preposition.)
Please follow up on the Meeks case. (Up is part of the verb phrase follow up; on is a preposition).
20. whoever -- who ever
Whoever (anyone who) said that should be fired.
Who ever made such a statement? ("Ever" is an adverb).
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